Gov. Baker pushes for MBTA repair

Gov. Baker has framed discussion about the MBTA as a false choice between repairing the existing system versus any expansions such as the Green Line Extension. His remarks at a business breakfast Thursday are typical:

“I get that people like the shiny balls, OK? But the million people who ride that system? They need us to focus on reliability and resilience,” Baker told the room at the Intercontinental Hotel. He said, “People can talk about building it to here and there and everywhere. But if we don’t get it right on the core system… it’s going to be incredibly hard to grow the ridership.”

The Green Line Extension isn’t just a “shiny ball.” It’s critical to the lives and economic future of our residents and region.